€/12
Page 313
NOTES FOR DEBATE ON THE QUEEN'S SPEECH
FRIDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER, 1963
Constitutional Development.
HONG KONG
It is understood that Mr Bottomley will raise the first two
matters noted below. (The Hong Kong branch of the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association planned to invite Mr Bottomley to visit the
Colony during the summer recess, but a visit has not taken place.
Mr Healey did, however, respond to a similer invitation - see paragraph 7
below.)
2. We understand that Mr Bottomley will urge that there should be
some progress towards responsible goverment (with elected members on
the Legislative Council.) The Legislative Council is a body of official
and nominated unofficial members, with an official majority.
3. In an adjournment debate on Hong Kong on 11th April this year
Kr Bottomley said: "There is a need now for some re-organisation of
local government and certainly for a more representative legislative
council;" but he also said that he was "not for a moment suggesting that
the tine had come for a radical change." Mr Fisher replied that "if the
right hon. Gentleman could give me any evidence
•
·
that there is a
widespread demand locally for a change, I will certainly have another
look at the question."
Mr Bottomley has not pursued the matter.
4. There is no popular interest in, or desire for, constitutional
advance in Hong Kong.
-
5. Apart from this, there are strong objections to the
introduction of elected representatives on the Legislative Council or to
any move which would appear to point towards ultimate self-government:
(a) elected representation would import the two Chinas into the
politics of the Colony, threatening internal security and
possibly even inviting Chinese intervention;
Page 313
(b) the Peking Government is content with our present position in
Hong Kong provided we do not change the "status quo;" any move
in the direction of self-government would be regarded as an
Page 313
/indication
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.